Best Korean Pimple Patches + Tips

Best Korean Pimple Patches + Tips

Imagine a world where everyone woke up with clear, poreless, and glowing skin… IF ONLY. As much as we pile on skincare and do everything ‘by the book’, for the majority of us, sooner or later we end up with an unwelcome guest right in the center of our face. Pimples do not discriminate, and before you get tempted to use your fingers to pop it, let me introduce you to some of the best Korean pimple patches and TIPS.

WHAT IS A PIMPLE PATCH?

A pimple is a break in the skin and occurs when our pores become clogged (either from oil/dirt/dead skin etc.) and infected. When the skin is broken it leaves room for hydration to escape (Trans-epidermal water loss) therefore becoming dry and eventually leading to overproduction of oil (pimples containing pus). They can range in severity from whiteheads to cysts. Like its name suggests, a pimple patch is simply a patch you put on your pimple to help accelerate the healing process. 

NOTE: Although great for painful pimples under the skin and pustule acne, They are not effective for cystic acne.

TYPES OF PIMPLE PATCHES

There are two main types of pimple patches Hydrocolloid and Micro-dart:

HYDROCOLLOID

Hydrocolloids were originally used in the medical world for wounds. As technology progressed they slowly made its way into pimple patches. Hydrocolloid patches work by protecting the wound from outside factors such as dirt/bacteria whilst reducing trans-epidermal water loss. In addition, hydrocolloid patches are moisture absorbing, helping suck up any excess sebum, ultimately speeding up the healing process. 

When to use:
Best for pimples that have burst and contain pus, that rest on the surface of the skin.

TIP!
If your pustule pimple hasn’t burst yet you can either wait or prick the tip of the whitehead gently with a sterilized needle. Then clean the area with cotton swabs, safely extracting the puss before applying your patch. 

MICRO-DART PATCHES

Micro-dart patches are similar to hydrocolloid patches in that they protect the skin from outside factors, whilst reducing trans-epidermal water loss. However unlike the hydrocolloid patch, they hold tiny micro-darts containing beneficial ingredients that help clean, reduce inflammation and brighten dark spots. The small micro-dart shape allows the treatment to penetrate deeper into the skin without the worry of outside factors. 

When to use:
Best for painful pimples under the skin or for preventing pimples from getting worse.

TIP!
Ingredients to look for: Salicylic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Tea tree

For more information on Ingredients for acne-prone skin click HERE

REQUIREMENTS FOR A GOOD PATCH

1. Affordability: Pimple patches do not need to be expensive to get the job done. For those who get pimples often It’s important to find something affordable. 
2. Sizing variety: Like our pimples, our patches should also come in different sizes so that they are easier to stick on and protect our pimples better.
3. Adhesive ability: For our pimple patches to work they need to stick well. Regardless if you’re outside working or inside sleeping, They should not fall off. 
4. Noticeability: Pimple patches are not the most flattering thing to see. Rather than announcing to the world, ‘I have a pimple’, I’d rather have a patch that looks the closest to my skin and works well under makeup.
5. Effectiveness: Out of everything, effectiveness is the most important. You want your pimple patch to ultimately protect and get rid of your pesky pimple.

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BEST KOREAN PIMPLE PATCHES

HYDROCOLLOID TYPE PATCH

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

$4 (24 patches)

This hydrocolloid patch is a cult favorite and for good reason. Not only is It affordable, but It also sticks to the skin well regardless of any humidity or movement. This patch contains 3 different sizes making it easy to find the perfect size patch. I like to leave this patch on overnight as It’s slighter thicker and can be noticeable during the day. After using it overnight, my pimple is left significantly smaller and less inflamed.

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SOME BY MI 30Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch

SOME BY MI 30Days Miracle Clear Spot Patch

$7 (18 patches)

30Days Miracle Line is super effective yet affordable for oily acne-prone skin without non-irritating formula. This Semi-transparent patch with a thin-edged layer adheres to the skin well. Not only it prevents external contamination but it also minimizes scars caused by acne. What’s more, it’s waterproof and looks natural on all skin tones. Daily makeup possible on the patch. AHA BHA PAH Miracle Toner, Serum, and Cream are also worthy to try!

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Olive Young Care Plus

Olive Young Care Plus

$9 (102 patches)

This is a popular hydrocolloid patch in Korea. Like the Cosrx patch, it’s extremely affordable and comes in various packs containing more/less patches. This patch sticks to the skin well and is slighter thinner than the Cosrx patches. I like to use this patch during the day under makeup as It’s less noticeable and doesn’t fall off.  

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Easy Derm Beauty Spot Patch

Easy Derm Beauty Spot Patch

$16

Like the others, this patch does a good job at staying put throughout the day. It’s the thinnest of all three and works great under makeup. I also like how matte the surface is, so on days without makeup it’s less noticeable on the skin. In addition, It comes with little tongs for more hygienic use. 

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MICRO-DART TYPE PATCH

Acropass Trouble Cure

Acropass trouble cure

$12 (6ea)

This micro-dart patch is another popular item in Korea. It contains ingredients such as Niacinamide, Oligopeptide, and Hyaluronic acid that help hydrate, whiten, and work as an anti-inflammatory. Like most micro-dart patches it is on the more expensive side. Each patch is connected to a sample cleanser making this item great for traveling. It is slightly finicky and tingly to put on but after using overnight the pimple goes down significantly.

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Dr. Jart Focuspot

DR. Jart Focuspot

$11 (6ea)

This patch contains similar ingredients to the across patch. It contains Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin B, Oligopeptide, and Niacinamide. Helping hydrate and balance oil, therefore, accelerating the pimples’ healing process. This pricks a little when applying and make sure to apply carefully. I like putting this on overnight like is suggested but it also works during the day under makeup. This is great for helping painful pimples under the skin and in the morning they are noticeably smaller.

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Artpe First Do Spot Patch

Artpe First Do Spot Patch

$10

This patch’s main ingredients are Hyaluronic acid, Green tea, and Toteral which work well to hydrate, soothe and calm inflammation. Like the others, this patch is on the pricier side and recommends to change the patch every few hours. This is a great patch to reduce those pimples under the skin fast. They are also slightly easier to put on compared to the others.

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HOW TO APPLY

1. Cleanse your face
2. Chose a patch bigger than your spot 
3. Remove carefully from packaging, holding the edges so it doesn’t fold and place the center onto the spot.
4. Leave on overnight or until the patch turns white. (Make sure to replace your patch with a new one after a maximum of 12 hours)

TIP!
Make sure to dry your face and hands before applying

TIP!
Try not to place other essences/toners under that area beforehand so the patch adheres better

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